Harvey Pearson, describing himself as a stakeholder of the local library system, appeared at Tuesday’s city council meeting (forward 13 minutes) to criticize allocation of $30,000 in grant monies and a proposed bond for library renovations, saying that preserving operating hours is more important for members of the community.
Glendale libraries will close every holiday weekend this year as part of the city’s department-wide budget cutbacks. Pearson said this past Presidents Day weekend, several people he knew who spend time in libraries went to Los Angeles Public libraries, but Mayor Villaraigosa has proposed closing those libraries every weekend as part of a cost cutting measure. (The Facebook page Save the Los Angeles Public Library has information about a vigil tonight protesting the Los Angeles plans.)
In Glendale, libraries were closed Saturday /Sunday after New Year’s Day, and the Saturdays/Sundays before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents Day. They will also be closed around and including the holidays below:
Easter Sunday, April 4
Saturday/Sunday, May 29-30 (before Memorial Day)
Saturday/Sunday/Monday, July 3-5
Saturday/Sunday, September 4-5 (before Labor day)
Thursday, November 11 (Veterans’ Day – City Holiday)
Friday-Sunday, November 26-28 (after Thanksgiving)
Friday-Sunday, December 24-26
Friday-Sunday, December 31-January 2, 2011
To support Glendale’s public libraries, community members can join the Friends of the Library at several membership levels. Proceeds from membership dues and from Friends programs, including the Book Nook, Amazon Sales, and book sales from author events, go to support library acquisitions and programs.
Also, the city has asked its departments to prepare plans for further cutbacks. Check upcoming agendas, and if you are concerned about further library cuts, attend city council meetings and make your voices heard.